WSU Clark County Extension
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Scots Pine

Scientific name: Pinus sylvestris
Taxonomy
Family:Pinaceae
Type:Coniferous trees
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:3 to 8
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:50 ft
Width:30 ft
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:Green
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Scots Pine is best recognized by the presence of papery, flakey reddish orange bark. Also known as Scotch Pine.

  Morphology:
This conifer grows to 40’ to 50’ in height and from 25’ to 30’ in width. It bears twisted needles which are 2”-4” in length, arranged in bundles of 2. The needles are bluish-green in color during the summer and yellowish-green during the winter. Needles are held from 2-4 years before being shed.

The pollen-bearing staminate (male) yellow flowers of Scots Pine first emerge in April as the shoots (candles) are forming. Pollen is spread by the wind to fertilize the young pistillate (female) flowers which go on to form the cones. With time the cones grow to a mature length of 2.5”. They form on short stalks either in a singular fashion or in pairs. They point backwards on the limbs of the trees toward the main stem.

  Adaptation:
Scots Pine is widely adapted to urban soils. It is considered very drought tolerant once established. This tree has to be grown in full sun.

  Pests:
None reported on the West Coast.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234